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H.J.Res. 139 House Economics and Public Finance

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.

Introduced
Jan 9, 2026
Sponsor
Rep. Biggs, Andy (R-AZ-5)
View on Congress.gov

STAGE 4 OF 8 — HOUSE FLOOR

Currently in the House. Last action: on motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution failed by the yeas and nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (roll no. 95) on Mar 18, 2026.

  1. House Introduced in House Jan 9, 2026
  2. House Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Jan 9, 2026
  3. House Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held Feb 3, 2026
  4. House Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 10. Feb 3, 2026
  5. House Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520. Feb 25, 2026
  6. House Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63. Feb 25, 2026
  7. House Mr. Biggs (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution. Mar 18, 2026
  8. House Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2560-2568; text: CR H2560-2561) Mar 18, 2026
  9. House DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1115, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 139 Mar 18, 2026
  10. House At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed. Mar 18, 2026
  11. House Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2583-2584) Mar 18, 2026
  12. House Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95). Mar 18, 2026
  13. House On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95). Mar 18, 2026
  14. House Latest vote
    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass Mar 18, 2026
    Defeated Yea 211 Nay 207 Roll Call

Cosponsors

2

Subjects

Budget deficits and national debtBudget processConstitution and constitutional amendmentsLegislative rules and procedure

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
    • Reported By , Feb 25, 2026
    • Markup By , Feb 3, 2026
    • Referred To , Jan 9, 2026

Summary

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total federal expenditures for a year from exceeding the average annual federal receipts collected in the three prior years, adjusted for changes in the population of U.S. citizens and inflation. Expenditures for payment of debt and receipts derived from borrowing are excluded.Under the amendment, Congress may authorize specific expenditures in excess of the limit with (1) a roll call vote of two-thirds of each chamber, or (2) a roll call vote for any year in which a declaration of war is in effect.The amendment also prohibits any bill to levy a new tax or increase the rate of any tax from becoming law unless it has been approved by a roll call vote of two-thirds of the whole number of each chamber of Congress.The requirements take effect in the fifth year beginning after ratification of the amendment.

Summary as of: Reported to House

Bill Text

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